02:12The meeting began with Superintendent Brian Latwis addressing a serious incident at the Robert Brackman School involving a student. Latwis noted that several staff members were placed on administrative leave, and a thorough investigation was underway in collaboration with local law enforcement and state agencies. The superintendent praised the bravery of the individual who reported the incident and assured the community that the board prioritized student safety and demanded accountability for any breach of trust.

09:41Following these remarks, the public comment session revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the district’s special education practices. Deborah Henry criticized the segregation of special education students, arguing for their inclusion in general education settings to enhance social integration. Joel Gold expressed disappointment in the staff and board. Kristen Lteran, a behavioral technician, emphasized the need for staff training to prevent similar occurrences in the future, advocating for sensitivity training to foster a respectful environment.

28:18Matthew Salvatore, a parent of a non-verbal autistic child, shared his struggles with the ASUS program, echoing calls for accountability and transparency. He emphasized the need for better communication with parents, particularly those of neurodiverse students. Other parents echoed these sentiments, demanding systemic changes to ensure the safety and well-being of their children.

17:59The public comments further underscored concerns about the treatment and integration of students with autism. One parent criticized the separation of ASUS students from their peers, questioning the rationale behind such placements. This parent called for the installation of cameras in classrooms to monitor interactions, a proposal hindered by contractual limitations with the teachers’ union. Dr. Latwis confirmed ongoing discussions with union representatives to address this issue.

In addition to these systemic issues, several parents recounted personal experiences that highlighted failures in the district’s handling of special education needs. Parents reported incidents of inadequate supervision, unreported accidents, and inappropriate staff conduct, leading to a loss of trust in the district. Concerns over bullying, lack of communication, and insufficient resources for special education programs were recurrent themes.

01:07:52A particularly distressing testimony came from a parent who described how her son, despite having specific needs outlined in his Individualized Education Plan (IEP), was placed in an unsafe transportation situation. She provided evidence of inappropriate staff behavior on the bus and criticized the district for not adhering to her son’s IEP requirements.

01:16:16The emotional public comments revealed a clear disconnect between the administration and the community’s expectations. Parents called for greater involvement in decision-making processes and improved transparency from the board. Many advocated for the formation of a parent-run advisory group to ensure that the needs of students who cannot advocate for themselves are met.

02:03:47In response to the public outcry, the board acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the need for decisive action. Following an executive session, the board announced personnel changes, including the termination of four employees. They also approved a motion to promote an employee to district vice principal.

04:25The board assured the public of plans to engage parents in discussions about the future of the ACES program and special education services. An ad hoc committee was proposed to work closely with the special education department.